A. Lands to Which this Chapter Applies. This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of El Dorado.

B. Basis for establishing the Areas of Special Flood Hazard. The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through a scientific and engineering report entitled "The Flood Study for the City of El Dorado," dated June 20, 2001, with accompanying flood insurance rate maps and flood boundary and floodway maps with any revision thereto are adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this chapter. The flood insurance study is on file at the city engineer's office.

C. Penalties for Noncompliance. No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted or altered without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations.

Violation of the provisions of this chapter or failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violation of conditions and safeguards established in connection with grants of various or special exceptions) shall constitute a misdemeanor. Any person who violates this chapter or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall upon conviction thereof be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned for not more than ten days, or both, and in addition shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case. Each day such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.

Nothing herein contained shall prevent the city or other appropriate authority from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.

D. Abrogation and Greater Restrictions. This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate or impair any existing easements, covenants or deed restrictions. However, where this chapter and another conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail.

E. Interpretation. In the interpretation and application of this chapter, all provisions shall be: (1) considered as minimum requirements, (2) liberally construed in favor of the governing body, and (3) deemed neither to limit or repeal any other powers granted under state statutes.

F. Warning and Disclaimer of Liability. The degree of flood protection required by this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Larger floods can and will occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes. This chapter does not imply that land outside the areas of special flood hazards or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the city or by any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder. (Ord. G-898 § 2, 2001; prior code § 18-606)